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Benton SWCD - Resource Conservationist

Posted: 10/29/24
Salary: $24.50-$27.50 an hour
Location: Corvallis, OR

 

Application Deadline: November 17th, 2024

 

Position Description

 

General Position Summary: 

The Resource Conservationist conducts conservation planning, project development, design, and implementation for voluntary landowner projects in Benton County. This position provides natural resource technical assistance to Benton County residents and local, state, and federal partners and the BSWCD Board of Directors. In collaboration with partners and team members, Resource Conservationists research local and regional natural resource issues, provide guidance to the District in addressing priority natural resource concerns, and develop outreach goals. Resource Conservationists build and maintain working relationships with District stakeholders. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities of staff but may supervise volunteers and/or interns.

 

Essential Functions General Duties – Resource Conservationist

Technical Assistance and Outreach (30%)

  • Provide conservation technical assistance to rural and urban residents, agencies, watershed councils, organizations and BSWCD Board/staff on protecting and enhancing natural resources, including soil, water, air, plants, and animals.
  • Collaborate with conservation partners and agencies to plan and deliver projects and programs
  • Serve on Technical Advisory Committees to provide natural resource advice and/or participate as a stakeholder in various meetings representing the District.
  • Focus technical assistance and outreach on topics aligned with Benton SWCD mission, goals, and strategies and where necessary, research new, relevant information for cooperators in disciplines outside of normal expertise.
  • Identify outreach needs and opportunities. Design, plan, facilitate, and present at workshops and events.
  • Assist Communications staff in developing brochures, handouts and other promotional materials.

 

Conservation Planning and Project Design (25%)

  • Assess and analyze impacts on natural resources and give best management practice recommendations.
  • Develop conservation plans for property owners and land manager by incorporating the principles and techniques of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Conservation Planning methodology.
  • Participate with partners and other stakeholders in larger regional conservation planning, program evaluation and project development.
  • Assure that plans and/or projects meet technical, legal and regulatoryrequirements.
  • Coordinate with NRCS and Farm Service Agency partners to actively promote and implement federal farm programs; work with NRCS District Conservationist to identify local resource concerns and promote programs to meet landowner objectives.
  • Achieve and maintain NRCS Certified Conservation Planner certification
  • Certify conservation practices related to NRCS contracts

 

Project Development, Funding, and Management (30%)

  • Provide leadership at the District in managing large-scale, multi-year grants or program funding. Examples include the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Scope of Work, ODA Strategic Implementation Areas, Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and other complex programs or funding sources.
  • Develop grant proposals; identify funding sources and project match; develop budget, timeline and grant scope and submit proposals. Coordinate with partners as appropriate.
  • Prepare reports to fulfill agreement, contract and other obligations to various local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Serve as project manager on designated projects; develop contracts, successfully implement grants and projects.
  • Grant administration: oversee contracts and track timelines, deliverables, expenditures and budgets. Write project reports; perform required photo monitoring and post-grant reporting.
  • Solicit and recommend consultants and contractors. Develop and manage contracts and approve work.

 

Organizational Support and Professional Development (10%)

  • Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in servicing residents of Benton County, collaborating with partners, Benton SWCD staff, and directors.
  • Support planning processes including Annual Budget, Annual Work Plan, Strategic and/or Long-Range Plans.
  • Pursue professional development opportunities on current natural resources issues and maintain proficiency in conservation planning techniques.
  • Attend and participate in staff and Board meetings; provide monthly staff reports and timesheets.
  • Procure tools, equipment, and supplies.
  • Collaborate with interns and volunteers on various projects.

 

Work Relationships (5%)

  • Maintain strong collaborative and supportive work relationships with BSWCD staff members.
  • Promote the role of BSWCD in the community; develop positive relationships and partnerships; represent BSWCD, as needed, at meetings and events, on committees, etc.
  • Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local, state and federal agencies, non- governmental organizations, non-profits, volunteers, and local landowners to develop projects and opportunities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Specialized Duties – Resource Conservationist

  • Serve as primary contact with Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) on agricultural water quality issues. Work with ODA’s Regional Water Quality Specialist to improve agricultural water quality by providing outreach and technical assistance to landowners to comply with rules of the local Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan (AWQMAP)
  • Program lead for Oregon Department of Agriculture Strategic Implementation Areas to target implementation of best management practices and outreach to improve agricultural water quality. Conduct water quality monitoring and data collection and management.
  • Develop the biennial ODA Scope of Work and budget which identifies District tasks which target the agricultural community to implement practices to improve agricultural water quality. Coordinate work with other staff and gather metrics for SOW reporting. Oversee fiscal administration of grant: compile reports and manage budget.
  • Program lead for BSWCD Conservation Incentive Program to provide District funds for local landowner projects.
  • Participate in OWEB Small Grants Review Teams. Train and oversee volunteers who review OWEB small grants for the District.
  • Develop projects, design project elements, develop budgets and apply for grants to fund projects. Serve as project manager, develop contracts, oversee and inspect contracted work, track budget, request funds and submit status, completion and monitoring reports.
  • Coordinate with NRCS and Farm Services Agency partners to actively promote and implement federal farm programs; work with NRCS District Conservationist to identify local resource concerns and promote programs to meet landowner objectives.
  • Assist with Native Plant Sale and Native Bulb and Seed Sale including planning through the year, set up, take down, and staffing of the sales.

 

How to Apply:

Visit this link for the full Resource Conservationist position description Submit all application materials below in hardcopy or electronic form: Cover letter describing your qualifications for and interest in the Resource Conservationist position. Please explain how you personally connect with the BSWCD mission, and the skills you would use to be successful in this job. Resume (include your email address and phone number in the header). Three professional references, at least one of which is a past supervisor (please indicate which reference is/was a supervisor).

Send electronic submissions to: Applications@bentonswcd.org with the subject heading Resource Conservationist Application.

Attach all application materials as a single PDF. OR Mail hard copy application materials to:

Attn: Michael Ahr

Benton Soil and Water Conservation District

136 SW Washington Avenue; Suite 201

Corvallis, Oregon 97333